Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a degree programme in the interdisciplinary field of biomaterials which satisfies the needs of industry.
• To produce graduates of outstanding ability who have a very strong academic background with especially outstanding business and interactive skills.
• To produce graduates with a greater in-depth knowledge of biomaterials who are  equipped with skills required to play a leading, technical role at an executive level.
• To produce graduates who manage their own learning, communicate effectively and make use of primary source materials.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

•  QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

•  QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

•  Institute of Materials Guidelines for Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Relevant principles of materials science, biology and physiology as applied to biomaterials engineering;
• A number of specialist materials topics connected with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites;
• The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for biomaterials engineers;
• Engineering and biological/chemical principles relevant to materials selection;
• The materials and engineering aspects of design;
• The professional and engineering responsibilities of biomaterials engineers;
• A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at the forefront of biomaterials engineering practice.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Select and identify an appropriate material and manufacturing route for the design of a biomedical component;
• Utilise materials engineering and biological principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of biomedical systems;
• Solve materials engineering problems, and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses;
• Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
• Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
• Analyse materials aspects of components;
• Interpret numerical data and apply sophisticated mathematical methods to the analysis of materials engineering problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Use, and have a comprehensive understanding of, appropriate mechanical testing, biological testing, degradation/corrosion testing, optical and electron metallographic, and chemical analysis methods for the study of materials;
• Manipulate systems for the processing of polymers, ceramics and metals;
• Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises;
• Evaluate and present practical data in a format that shows originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques are used to create and interpret materials engineering knowledge;
• Explain experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
• Compile clear and well-structured technical reports;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate project management skills.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Organise and manage time and resources effectively;
• Apply constructive, creative, and structured approaches to complex problem solving;
• Exercise the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;
• Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations;
• Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
• Organise and manage time and resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
• Possess skills needed to communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
• Demonstrate a high level of numeracy; appropriate to the cognitive skills required;
• Compile clear and well-structured technical reports;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate project management skills;
• To plan, monitor and record personal, educational and career development issues using the fast track route towards chartered status.

4. Programme structure

Part A – All modules are compulsory

Part B – 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

 Part I – Diploma in Industrial Studies, Diploma in International Studies and Diploma in Professional Studies modules

Ten Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students can undertake a placement, leading to the additional award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies or Diploma in Professional Studies, or if taken at a University overseas the Diploma in International Studies. 

Participation in a placement, or study abroad, is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance in Parts A and B (and depending upon the route of study Part C).

Part C – 100 credits of compulsory modules, 20 credits of optional modules

Part D – 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also must gain credit (≥40%) in the module MAA301 Mathematics for Materials 1 and 2 together with an overall average of 55% for Parts A, B and C.

In addition for students entering prior to 2019/2020: In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only accumulate 120 credits together with an overall average of 55% for Parts A, B and C but also must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level module assessments in Parts B, C, and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 : Part C 40 : Part D 40 to determine the overall average percentage mark.